6:49 PM,
Jan. 28, 2013

The courts and justice. (Hemera Technologies/Getty)

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Federal and state officials seized Lexington-based Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing on Monday, alleging that it operated one of the largest pyramid schemes in North America and cheated more than 100,000 members out of millions of dollars while promising riches to those who worked hard selling products at minuscule commissions.

The action stems from a lawsuit filed in federal court last week in which the Federal Trade Commission, Attorney General Jack Conway and officials in Illinois and North Carolina accused the company of violating laws on consumer protection and pyramid-style sales. ...